The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has declared a renewed push to fortify Nigeria's non-oil export economy. The strategy focuses on improving operational efficiency at the nation's ports and, critically, enhancing the crucial connectivity between these ports and the productive hinterlands of the Northern region.
Kano: A Strategic Hub for Trade Expansion
Speaking at the NPA Special Day during the Kano International Trade Fair, the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, outlined the vision. He commended the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) for sustaining the fair's status as a premier global business event.
Dantsoho emphasized Kano's strategic role as a major commercial nexus, linking Nigeria not only to its northern hinterland but also to neighbouring landlocked countries. He pointed out that the region's substantial agro-allied potential dovetails perfectly with the NPA's mission to bridge local producers with international markets, particularly within the non-oil value chain.
Key Reforms: Export Processing Terminals and Digitalization
The NPA boss detailed several concrete reforms designed to boost Nigeria's export competitiveness. A central initiative is the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs). These are envisioned as comprehensive, one-stop facilities where export goods can be consolidated, documented, packaged, certified, and prepared for seamless onward movement to the ports.
Developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other key players, the EPTs aim to dismantle longstanding bottlenecks. They are expected to cut through duplication of processes and reduce bureaucratic delays that have historically hampered the smooth export of Nigerian products.
Furthermore, Dantsoho announced ongoing work to eliminate human interference in port procedures through full automation. This is being achieved via the Ports Community System (PCS), which serves as a foundation for the planned National Single Window (NSW). The NSW is recognized as a global best practice, integrating all trade value chain stakeholders onto a unified digital platform.
Empowering SMEs and Open Doors for Partnership
Dantsoho stated that these reforms underscore the Authority's determination to connect value creators from even the most remote parts of Nigeria to the global marketplace with minimal friction. He specifically addressed Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aligning NPA's efforts with the trade fair's theme.
"We are aggressively simplifying export procedures to ensure made-in-Nigeria goods move through our ports as smoothly as possible," he said. He encouraged traders and investors at the fair to visit the NPA pavilion to engage with the business development team and explore real-time digital opportunities. "Our doors are always open for partnerships beyond this fair," Dantsoho added.
In a separate development at the same 46th Kano International Trade Fair, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Thompson Oludare Sunday, reassured customers of the security of their bank deposits under the corporation's insurance cover. He also noted that the NDIC is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure effective supervision of financial institutions and maintain stability in the banking sector.
